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Knee ligament reconstruction: plain film analysis
B J Manaster1, K Remley, A P Newman
1Department of Radiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Postoperative radiography is crucial for assessing knee ligament reconstructions. It helps detect complications like nonisometric positioning and graft fractures early, ensuring successful surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Recent advancements in knee ligament reconstruction techniques have improved surgical success rates.
- Bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts and soft-tissue grafts are commonly used for anterior and posterior cruciate ligament, and collateral ligament reconstructions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plain radiographs for identifying early and late complications following knee ligament reconstruction.
- To assess the importance of postoperative radiography in managing knee ligament surgeries.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of plain radiographs from 50 patients (72 ligament reconstructions) was conducted.
- Radiographic signs of complications such as graft positioning, fracture, union, and effusion were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Major early complications included nonisometric ligament positioning (3 cases) and graft fracture (2 cases).
- Late complications observed were patellar fracture (1 case). Effusions resolved by 4 weeks in 92% of cases.
- Graft union occurred by 6 weeks in 79% and by 5 months in 95% of cases. No hardware failures were reported.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative plain film radiography is essential for evaluating graft and hardware placement.
- Radiography aids in the early detection of surgical complications, guiding patient management and improving reconstructive surgery outcomes.